2666: A Novel by Roberto Bolano Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of 2666: A Novel
Book Review: Engrossing, disturbing, an amazing authorial feat
Summary: 5 Stars
Don't read this book before sleeping. Like the characters it chronicles, you'll receive disturbing violent dreams. This was the best book I've read in a few years. Haunting, raunchy, violent, funny, at times light and airy, at times heavier than one can bear.Book Review: Excellent
Summary: 5 Stars
Amazing book, well written and so in depth. I couldn't put the book down for days!Book Review: Exciting, eccentric and ever long but worth it
Summary: 4 Stars
Roberto Balano's last work has the potential to be one of the best books I have read in my life thus far. Let me say this up front. This is not a book for the casual reader of DeMille or Grisham. It's dense with character development, social and literal esoteric references, and written in a style that allows one to appreciate the language. I only wish I knew Spanish.
Without giving away the farm, the parts of the book are related but not in a way one would think. From literature students to Mexican serial killings and WWII, I sometimes thought well now how the hell is this going to turn out. But it does turn out to be well intertwined and there are just some things that you don't see coming.
My opinion without taking away from the novel at all or the author's talent, is that there could have been some minor editing done as some of it could have been left out as the point was made. BUT it does serve as a vehicle for some of the characters within the novel.
This is one of the books that I have to read again in a couple of years. It's so dense, if you only read it once I think you will miss alot and I am sure I did and I read closely(not literally :-) )
Word to the easily offended - there is some language in here that some people may find offensive - I didn't but some may - not for younger readers in my opinion
Book Review: Fantastic read
Summary: 5 Stars
Really just a wonderful book. It's escapism at it's best, and the characters are incredibly engaging.Book Review: First time Bolano Reader
Summary: 5 Stars
Finished this book last night, could have read 5 more parts about whatever the author had on his mind. I can understand that this book is not for everyone. The first part may have people wondering if this book is only going to be about people with PHDs in Literature (its not, nor is the 1st part itself). The 2nd part can drag a little and seemed the most out of focus, but I guess that works thematically because its about people losing their minds. The 3rd part is silky smooth (once you get past the protagonist being named Fate) and does a great job of bringing the dread (also loved the former black panther's speech). The 4th part is very brutal, reminded me a little of Cormac McCarthy but just a touch more light hearted if that makes any sense. The fifth part is just really good. Taken as a whole this book is quite an achievement. Was really impressed with moments of the book where Bolano seemed to briefly show his hand and speak to the reader directly about what he was attempting to do with this book, one such section is highlighted in end notes of the first edition that I read. If you are an adventurous reader willing to put in the time I doubt you will be disappointed. I am looking forward to reading more of his books but I am going to wait a bit unitl I shake this one.